A strange New Year’s Eve: triggers in Kleine-Levin syndrome

Abstract

Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare neurological disease of unknown cause beginning typically during adolescence, characterized by remittent-relapsing episodes of severe hypersomnia associated with cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Triggering factors at Kleine-Levin syndrome onset include infection, sleep deprivation, as well as alcohol, drug, and substance intake. A young woman had 6 episodes over 2 years, including hypersomnia, confusion, derealization, cognitive impairment, anxiety, feeling of being scrutinized, anorexia (and sweet craving once) but no hypersexuality. The first episode started after a party where she experienced a complete, 4-hour-long blackout despite moderate alcohol intake. The patient suspected having been poisoned. Twenty-five months after the party, when Kleine-Levin syndrome was eventually diagnosed, her long hair was analyzed and exogenous γ-hydroxybutyrate was found in the tips (corresponding to the party time). This case illustrates the interest of looking for γ-hydroxybutyrate in the hair when Kleine-Levin syndrome starts after a party.

Possible role of COVID-19 in the relapse of Klein-Levin Syndrome

“…Klein-Levin Syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder characterized by relapsing and remitting episodes of severe hypersomnia accompanied by cognitive and behavioral disturbances [ 1 ]. Known triggers include viral illness, substance use, alcohol intake, sleep deprivation, physical and psychological stresses [ 2 ].…”

Kleine-Levin syndrome, GABA, and glutamate

“…In an interesting clinical case of Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) 1 intoxication by γ-hydroxybutyric acid acted as a trigger for the disease. γ-Hydroxybutyric acid is a metabolite of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.…”